UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Neillsville, Wisconsin

Pastor Jacoba Koppert

Church 715-743-2147

Pastor's Office 715-743-2117

www.uccneillsville.org.

We Gather to Worship God

October 6, 2019 10:00 a.m.

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

All who are comfortably able are invited to stand at those

places in the service indicated by an asterisk*

We ask you to please turn off all telephones and electronic devices.

We Gather to Worship God

PRELUDE Karen Mohr

RINGING OF THE BELL

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

We would like to welcome all of you who have gathered with us today for worship. We come from many places to this time and place. From our varied and hectic lives, we gather in this sacred space, as a community to be challenged, to give thanks and to worship. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome here.

GATHERING “Gathered Here in the Mystery of the Hour” Choir

PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION

God, through Jesus and Paul too you brought healing to those who had little hope. In your love, the lame walked, the blind had their eyes opened, the dead were raised to new life. Be with our dear ones, those we have named and those who come to mind. Grant to them your presence, embrace them when they are overcome with despair, send to them those who can lift spirits and heal bodies, minds and souls. Open our eyes to the needs that surround us filling us with compassion. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Brothers and sisters in Christ, because of God’s mercies, I encourage us to present our bodies (our whole selves) as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. Our challenge is to not be conformed to the ways of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we can figure out what God’s will is–what is good and pleasing and mature. (Romans 12:1-2)

People: We who are powerful need to be patient with the weakness of those who don’t have power, and not please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for the good in order to build them up. (Romans 15:1-2)

Leader: May the God of endurance and encouragement give us the same attitude toward each other, similar to Christ Jesus’ attitude. That way we can glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ together with one voice. (Romans 15:5-6)

People: We welcome one another in the same way Christ welcomed us, for God’s glory. (Romans 15:7)

Leader: No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome here. Let us worship God.

*HYMN “All People Who on Earth Do Dwell”

*OPENING PRAYER

O God you have welcomed us into this very room, calling us each by name. We are grateful that in this Holy Room we can be in your presence, support one another and be supported. Help us to not take for granted the church you have called us to be. Urge us to walk with each other so that each of us might be more faithful in our daily lives. Forgive us when we sin, separating ourselves from you or one another. Grant the guidance of your Holy Spirit so that our words, our acts, our thoughts will honor you. Increase in us the desire to be Jesus’ followers and then Dear Lord, inspire us daily on our journey through this life. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

*PASSING THE PEACE (Ephesians 6:23-24)

May there be peace with the brothers and sisters as well as love with the faith comes from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

May grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.

(All are invited to greet others with handshakes or hugs while saying to them "the peace of Christ be with you" and responding " and also with you.")

*SONG OF PRAISE "For the Beauty of the Earth” (verse 4)

For the good that love inspires, for the world where none exclude.

For a faith that never tires, and for every heart renewed,

God of all, to you we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

We Listen for Words that Encourage and Challenge Us

As Jesus Followers

CHILDREN’S TIME “World Communion Sunday”

THE CHOIR SINGS

“One Bread, One Body” (John B. Folay S.J.)

SCRIPTURE READINGS (Common English Bible)

I Corinthians 11:17-26

The community meal

¹⁷ Now I don’t praise you as I give the following instruction because when you meet together, it does more harm than good. ¹⁸ First of all, when you meet together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and I partly believe it. ¹⁹ It’s necessary that there are groups among you, to make it clear who is genuine. ²⁰ So when you get together in one place, it isn’t to eat the Lord’s meal. ²¹ Each of you goes ahead and eats a private meal. One person goes hungry while another is drunk. ²² Don’t you have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you look down on God’s churches and humiliate those who have nothing? What can I say to you? Will I praise you? No, I don’t praise you in this.

²³ I received a tradition from the Lord, which I also handed on to you: on the night on which he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread. ²⁴ After giving thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this to remember me.” ²⁵ He did the same thing with the cup, after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Every time you drink it, do this to remember me.” ²⁶ Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you broadcast the death of the Lord until he comes.

SERMON Pastor Jacoba Koppert

“Walking in the Footsteps of Paul: The Community Meal”

We Respond in Faith

to God’s Love for the World

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

INVITATION TO OFFERING

THE OFFERTORY

“Break Thou the Bread of Life” (arr. Alice Jordan)

*THE DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God for all that love has done;

Creator, Christ and Spirit One. Amen.

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

HYMN “Let Us Break Bread Together” (Screen)

THE INVITATION²

Beloved in Christ, the Gospel tells us that on the first day of the week Jesus Christ was raised from death, appeared to Mary Magdalene, on that same day sat at table with two of the disciples, and was made known in the breaking of the bread.

(sung) This is the joyful feast of the people of God.

Men and women, youth and children,

come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and gather about Christ’s table.

This table is for all Christians who wish to know the presence of Christ and to share in the community of God’s people.

THE COMMUNION PRAYER²

Pastor: God be with you.

People: And also with you.

Pastor: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them to God.

Pastor: Let us give thanks to God Most High.

People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Creating God, we praise you for in love you brought forth the world and humanity, breathing life into us. We see you in each face we encounter, each one created in your own image. We give you thanks for our neighbors near and far. Even when relationships are broken, your love remains steadfast.

In love you sent Jesus to live among us. In his ministry you embrace each one. Even as we betrayed, deserted and crucified him, his forgiveness and love for all did not waver. As you raised him from death, you showed us the new life you intend for all who follow him.

With all who sing praises to you, the angels and prophets, saints and sinners, sisters and brothers in Christ around the world we join our voices praising you singing,

THE SACTUS

Holy, holy, holy God of love and majesty,

the whole universe speaks of your glory,

O God Most High

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of our God!

Hosanna in the highest!

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION

We remember on the night when Jesus was betrayed and deserted, Jesus sat with his disciples and took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread and gave it to them, saying, “this is my body which is for you. Do this to remember me.” (CEB)

In the same way, Jesus also took the cup after supper, saying: “this Cup is the new covenant in my blood. Every time you drink it, do this to remember me.

By eating this bread and drinking from this cup, we broadcast Christ’s death, celebrate Christ’s resurrection, and away Christ’s coming again. Come Christ Jesus, come. And as we consecrate these elements we pray,

THE CONSECRATION³

Pastor: Come, Holy Spirit, bless this bread that the earth has given and human hands have made.

All: May it be for all the Bread of Life!

Pastor: Bless also this cup, fruit of the vine and work of human hands.

All: May it be for all the Cup of Peace!

Pastor: Bless us too, that by our eating and drinking we may have love for each other and be servants of Christ’s peace, until the New Day comes and every creature finds an honored place at the Banquet of Life!

All: We pray in the name of the Risen One, who

is with us now, and to the end of the age!

THE PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

BREAKING AND THE POURING

SHARING IN THE MEAL

The United Church of Christ practices open communion. People of all ages who confess Jesus Christ as Savior are welcome. Today we will receive the elements remaining in our pews. The Deacons/nesses will serve bread; Pastor Jacoba will serve the gluten-free wafers in the pews to those who request it. Light colored glasses contain juice and dark glasses contain wine. Please hold the elements until all have received them and we will commune together as one body.

GIVING THANKS³
Thank you, God, for life in the Spirit of Jesus: for gladness in this bread and cup, for love that cannot die, for peace the world cannot give, for joy in the company of friends, for the glory of creation, and for the mission of justice you have made our own.
Give us the gifts of this holy communion: oneness of heart, love for neighbors, forgiveness of enemies, the will to serve you every day, and life that never ends. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

HYMN “Talents and Tongues Employ” (Insert)

THE BENEDICTION

CHORAL RESPONSE ”Let There Be Peace”

By Sy Miller and Jill Jackson

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God our Creator, children all are we.
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and
live each moment in peace eternally!
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Reprinted under OneLiense.net A-723900

*POSTLUDE

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World to Serve

¹Liturgy for World Communion Sunday, written by the Rev. Dr. Laurel Koepf Taylor, Assistant Professor at Eden Theological Seminary, Saint Louis, Missouri.

² Reprinted from Book of Worship Copywrite 1986

³Rev. Dr. J. Mary Luti. Copyright 2006, United Church of Christ, Permission is granted to reproduce or adapt for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.

*HYMN “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service” Insert

*THE BENEDICTION (If I really can’s do anything else I will try to do this. )

*CHORAL RESPONSE “Make Me a Blessing” Al Hailey

Make me a blessing, touch me today.

Lord, please use me, in your own way.

Washed of your spirit, humble and low,

into your service, Lord, let me go.

Lord, take these hands; Lord take these feet

into the paths you bid me go

Lord, make my life complete.

Short is our time, Lord, help us to know

where we may serve you, then bid us go.

Make me a blessing, touch me, I pray;

Lord, please guide me, oh, Father, today.

*POSTLUDE Karen Mohr

The Light of Christ Leads Us into the World

to Enact the Love of Jesus